Vanitas 1691 - 1727

Johann Sigismund Ebert’s 17th century oil painting "Vanitas" is a powerful reminder of mortality. The composition features a woman, partially draped in a blue gown, holding a mirror and gazing into it. She is surrounded by objects symbolizing the fleeting nature of life, including a skull, a globe, and a statue. This small-scale artwork, measuring 15.5 cm high and 20.5 cm wide, invites viewers to reflect on the inevitability of death and the ephemeral nature of earthly possessions. The "Vanitas" theme was popular in the 17th century, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of the period.